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Alabama's Rocket Plant Plays Key Role in Artemis Moon Mission
The world's largest rocket plant in Decatur, Alabama was instrumental in launching Artemis II astronauts to the Moon.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:40pm
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The United Launch Alliance plant in Decatur, Alabama, the largest rocket plant in the world, played a crucial role in the successful launch of the Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts on a journey to the Moon. The plant built the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage, called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), which propelled the Orion spacecraft towards the Moon after separation from the main rocket.
Why it matters
The Decatur plant's contribution to the Artemis program highlights Alabama's importance as a hub for space technology and innovation. The successful launch of Artemis II marks a significant milestone in the journey to return humans to the lunar surface, and the plant's role in this mission underscores the state's commitment to advancing space exploration.
The details
The 2.2 million-square-foot ULA plant in Decatur, Alabama, collaborated with Boeing to build the ICPS, which was responsible for propelling the Orion spacecraft towards the Moon after the initial launch. The ICPS performed two Earth orbit maneuvers before separating from Orion and entering a high-Earth orbit, where it became a target for proximity operations by the astronauts to gather performance data and operational experience.
- The Artemis II mission launched on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
- The Artemis III mission, which will test lunar landers, is scheduled for launch next year.
- Artemis IV and V, which are expected to land on the Moon, are scheduled as early as 2028.
The players
United Launch Alliance (ULA)
A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, ULA is the operator of the Decatur, Alabama rocket plant that built the ICPS for the Artemis II mission.
John Elbon
The interim CEO of ULA, who expressed the company's honor in being entrusted with the lives of the astronauts and playing a critical role in enabling the next phase of human space exploration.
Boeing
The aerospace company that collaborated with ULA to build the ICPS for the Artemis II mission.
What they’re saying
“We are honored to be entrusted with the lives of our noble astronauts and play a critical role in enabling the next phase of human space exploration.”
— John Elbon, Interim CEO, United Launch Alliance
“The SLS rocket including the ICPS, a precision upper stage, provided the final push to Orion to set it on a path towards the Moon. Our whole team is watching this historic journey and wish God speed to the astronauts. We look forward to the astronaut's safe return to Earth and are proud of our role in supporting them on the first steps of this journey.”
— John Elbon, Interim CEO, United Launch Alliance
What’s next
The ULA plant in Decatur has already built the ICPS for the Artemis III mission, which is scheduled for launch next year. That mission will test lunar landers, with Artemis IV and V scheduled to land on the Moon as early as 2028.
The takeaway
Alabama's Decatur plant, the world's largest rocket plant, has played a pivotal role in the Artemis program, showcasing the state's expertise and commitment to advancing space exploration. The successful launch of Artemis II, enabled by the ICPS built in Decatur, marks a significant milestone in the journey to return humans to the lunar surface, and the plant's continued involvement in future Artemis missions underscores its importance in the ongoing exploration of the Moon.
